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Canada Women Lose SheBelieves Cup Final In Shootout

Canada lost 5-4 to the United States in the SheBelieves Cup final after a 2-2 draw.

It looked as if the U.S. were headed for victory, leading 2-1 in the latter stages, but Adriana Leon equalised from the spot in the 86th minute after being fouled in the area.

Jessie Fleming, Leon, Julia Grosso and Ashley Lawrence scored for Canada in the shootout, but U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saved from Jade Rose, Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens.

Sophia Smith, Naeher, Lindsey Horan, Abby Dahlkemper and Emily Fox scored for the U.S. Kailen Sheridan saved from Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett could have won it for the U.S., but fired over the crossbar.

After Naeher stopped Viens, Fox scored the decisive spot kick to win it for the U.S.

Leon had given Canada a 40th minute lead, but Smith struck back for the U.S. on 50 minutes with a low shot from just outside the penalty area after Canada failed to clear.

Smith made it 2-1 in the 68th minute after a pass from Trinity Rodman before Leon’s late penalty.

The American women have now won seven of the nine editions of the SheBelieves Cup.

Smith started the game on the right wing but finished it in her preferred role as striker, and the MVP trophy winner said she was happy to be versatile.

“I just try to do my job when I’m told I need to step up,” she said. “I don’t think anything of that. I try to lead this team in any way I can and if that’s putting the ball in the back of the net for the PKs or in the game, that’s what I pride myself in and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

/Stewart
Sports news editor